The many pools you will go

Sometimes I think our summers are kind of like a water buffet. We are pool and lake chasers, and we roam the northern region  finding waves, puddles, chlorine, sunscreen, family, friends, and sand.  And it is oh so satisfying. My kids don't even know how lucky they are to have a water addict for a mother.

Tahoe take 1

Oh Tahoe, how you refuel me, refine me, speak love sonnets to my soul. How you inspire me, move me, and draw me closer to God... every. single. time. I'm. with. you.
When we were on the beach several of my friends were commenting on how this is their happy place. I know that's so very true. It is a HAPPY place simply comparable to none.  But as soon as I started swimming out to the buoy, and treading the crystal, clear, crisp water; I realized that my happy place is a little bit different than most others. I love to sit on the soft sand and listen to my children laugh, but my truly happy place, the place that changes the very nature of my being, is out in the middle of the water. I have the best view, I'm weightless, and the world slowly vanishes as I admire God's incredible handiwork. That is where I am happiest.

Ekco's graduation

In Battle Mountain graduation from middle school is a BIG deal... like think prom big.  So, we dashed over after Brian got off work, arrived just in time to watch the ceremony, slept at his parents house and then headed home. It was a quick one.  Although any kind of ceremony is challenging with little ones, and we scarcely got to talk to Ekco, I know it meant a lot to her for us to be there.  Also, we are so proud of her for passing math!!!! And hopefully now that she's settled in Battle Mountain, her achievements will keep racking up! She truly is such a smart, talented girl! Her artistic abilities are out of this world! And she has an eye for design that makes her seem much older than she is! She's shot up in the last year and is SUPER close to my height... like half an inch shorter than me and several inches taller than her mom.  We love her and miss her when she's gone. Argenta even said, "Ekco!" when pointing at her picture the other day!

Sunday

For Father's Day, we had a lovely dinner.  Mom brought over home made strawberry rhubarb (from our garden) pie. It might be my new favorite.  The daddy of the house requested scallops so that's what we ate. He wore his fancy tie that Xiana made him years ago.  It was a lovely Sunday.  We went to the cemetery the day before, and mom took flowers there the morning of father's day.  I'm so grateful that mom lives close. Having a husband to serve on this special day helps soften the blow of missing my dad so much. If she didn't have someone to make a pie for, I think it'd be tougher than it is.  These knuckleheads made darling cards for daddy, we bought him a new hammock, and even Argenta made him a little frame with her hand print on it. All in all, I'd say it was a successful celebration.